HC moved against wind power firm

Two PILs seeking to restrain a wind power company from damaging a bridge across Manur Channel near Alangulam and installing poles to transmit power in the middle of Sitraru river in Tirunelveli district were filed in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court today.
Petitioner Major Ravikumar submitted that Sitraru was the main source of irrigation in Alangulam area. In order to transmit power generated in its wind mill units, Leitwind Shriram Manufacturing Ltd had installed electric poles "damaging" the river bed.
The poles caused disturbance to the flow of water in the river and from catchment area also. There was also severe threat of electrocution for both human beings and animals. The installation of electric post in the midst of the river was illegal and ulawful, he contended.

Though several agitations were conducted, the Public Works Department, which is supposed to maintain the river and ensure free flow of water, had not taken any step to prevent the installation of poles.
He sought a direction to PWD department to take steps to prevent the company from erecting the poles.
Similarly, S.Ukiramasingam, another PIL acvisit, said the company, which was transporting the wings for the wind mills in giant traillers, was damaging the bridge across the Manur channel.
Justices S.Tamilvanan and V.S.Ravi ordred notice to PWD officials and posted the case for hearing on February 23.